The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a classic style for a reason. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or dressed down, making it the perfect style for special occasions like weddings and holiday parties as well as everyday wear. It can be worn with just about any clothing style; you can add trinkets to it or simply wear it plain; and it offers volume for thinner hair types. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of iterations of the style, too, all of which are relatively easy to achieve at home. So, if you’re looking to try something new, allow us to show you some half-up, half-down hairstyles we love.
Inspo: Half-up, Half-Down Hairstyles
Straight and Studded
Here, Lucy Hale has half of her hair pulled back into a perfect baby bun situated and pinned temple-height on the crown of her head. The style is adorned with star pins. You can choose whichever pins you like as there are lots of wonderful options out there, from pearls to rhinestones.
Simple Crossover
One of the simplest tricks to dressing up a half-up, half-down style? Pull pack two sections of hair from your temples, crossing one over the other before pinning. The result is subtle and super chic.
Box Braids
A wonderful way to style box braids is to pull half of them back off the face; this offers a protective, heat-free style. You can even leave two of the braids out to frame the face for a chic touch.
Bohemian Braids
Doesn’t this scream summer wedding? The style pictured here debuted at the Alex + Olivia spring show in 2020, and it almost looks as if the model stepped straight out of a fairy tale. It’s quite easy to achieve, too: Simply braid a few small sections along your hairline and pin them together in the back of the head, then add a your choice of blooms.
Snatched Curls
If you have curly hair, the half-up, half-down hairstyle is perfect. Your hair is pulled away from your face, while still keeping Its body throughout. To get the look, brush your hair from behind your ears toward the center of your head and secure it tightly in a half-up, high ponytail.
Half Crown
Even though a lot of the half-up, half-down hairstyles look complicated, we promise you that they really are not. This one is especially easy as you just section of the sides of your hair, twist them and pin them together at the back of the crown. If you really want to make it fancy you can weave a chain of pearls or gold through it.
High Bun
If you have thick hair, the half-up, half-down bun hairstyle is ideal for you. Just section off the top of your hair from temple to temple and twist it into a bun on the top of your head and pin in place.
Space Buns
This picture of Isabela Moner’s beautiful hairstyle from 2019 is giving us serious Princess Warrior vibes. It is also another easy hairstyle. You just section the hair in half from temple to temple, split it down the middle, and twist them into two knots and pin in place.
Embellished Twists
This hairstyle almost looks like a ponytail, but it isn’t. You just twist the sides of your hair back and pin it at the nape of your neck, adding a bow as the final touch.
Fishtail Braid
Creating a fishtail braid down the length of your half-up ponytail adds a cool surprise to the back of your hairstyle.
You might also like: 10 of the Best Drugstore Hairsprays You Really Need to Try